Competition

Lando Norris wins the KFJ final in Bahrain

International World Karting Championship

Although Lando Norris (FA Kart / Vortex) was well on top of the race, Leonardo Pulcini (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Robert Shwartzman (Tony Kart / TM) passed under braking before the end of the first lap. Daniel Ticktum (FA Kart / Vortex) moved up to 4th position, Alessio Lorandi (Tony Kart / Parilla) 5th, Enaam Ahmed (FA Kart / Vortex) 6th and Niko Kari (FA Kart / Vortex) 7th. Norris took the lead on lap 4, but Shwartzman and Ticktum followed, which left Pulcini in fourth position, then 5th when Lorandi overtook. The battle for the world title was between Pulcini, Shwartzman and Lorandi, all three in the top 5. Shwartzman closed up to Norris, giving him a decisive advantage in the Championship. Shwartzman took the lead at turn 8, but Norris replied, Shwartzman tried to resist but dropped to 5th. Lorandi then went on the attack for 2nd place, and Shwartzman and Ticktum recovered. Nikita Mazepin (Tony Kart / Vortex) and Enaam Ahmed (FA Kart / Vortex) came on to the scene on lap 11 up to 4th and 5th. Norris soared nearly 2” from the pack, while Shwartzman made his return to second position ahead of Ticktum and Mazepin with five laps to go. Mazepin started to press his compatriot towards the end, which could change the face of the Championship. Everything would be settled on the last lap. Mazepin and Lorandi overtook Shwartzman effectively. It was a great victory for Norris, Mazepin was second and Lorandi 3rd, Shwartzman 4th, Pulcini 5th.

The unofficial tally shows Pulcini and Lorandi level on points in the Championship, which would be favorable to Pulcini, but there will be confirmation.